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Int J Sports Med 2009; 30(8): 585-591
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1202354
Training & Testing

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Soccer Skill Development in Professionals

B. C. H. Huijgen 1 , M. T. Elferink-Gemser 1 , W. J. Post 2 , C. Visscher 1
  • 1Center for Human Movement Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
  • 2Department of Epidemiology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
Further Information

Publication History

accepted after revision January 18, 2009

Publication Date:
13 May 2009 (online)

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the development of the technical skill dribbling during ages 14–18 and adulthood playing level. The results gained insight in the required level of the technical skill dribbling during adolescence to be capable of becoming a professional soccer player. Talented players (n=131), aged 14–18 were measured while they were part of a developmental soccer program, testing took place annually. The players were identified as professional (n=54) or amateur (n=77) later on in their career (age>20). In total 238 measurements of dribbling performance were assessed by means of the Shuttle Dribble Test. A longitudinal model estimated the development for optimal dribbling performance (peak dribbling) and for dribbling performance under fatigue (repeated dribbling), for players ultimately reaching professional status and for players reaching amateur status. The longitudinal results showed that during adolescence the talented players who ultimately became professionals were on average 0.3 s faster on 30m peak dribbling performance and on average 1 second faster on 3×30m repeated dribbling performance than the players who ultimately turned amateur (p=0.001). It is concluded that during adolescence dribbling performance can assist in identifying the best players for the future.

Key words

talent identification - dribbling - performance level - longitudinal - adolescence - expertise

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Correspondence

B. C. H. Huijgen

Center for Human Movement Sciences

University Medical Center Groningen

University of Groningen

Antonius Deusinglaan 1

9713 AV Groningen

The Netherlands

Phone: +31/50/363 62 31

Fax: +31/50/363 31 50

Email: b.c.h.huijgen@med.umcg.nl